Japan’s Top 100 Blossoms: Usuzumi Park (Gifu)

The Usuzumi Zakura is a huge tree that is 17.3 meters high with a girth of 9.4 meters. The blossoms are light pink when they bud, white when they bloom, and light gray as they fall—hence its name (usuzumi means “thin, black ink”). It was in danger of withering on numerous occasions in the twentieth century due to natural disasters like heavy snowfall and massive typhoons, as well as termite infestation, but it survived each crisis thanks to the efforts of experts, municipal governments, and local residents to replace the soil, graft roots, and undertake a variety of other measures.

Usuzumi Park (Gifu)

• Variety: Edohiganzakura
• When: Early to mid-April
• Hours: Open 24 hrs.
• Admission: Free
• Address: 995 Neoitasho, Motosu-shi, Gifu
• Website: Gifu Travel Guide (Usuzumi-zakura Cherry Tree)

Nearby hanami sites

• Kamagatani Valley
• Shinsakai Canal

Near Usuzumi Park

• Gifu’s Okuhida Onsengō: Japan’s Premier Outdoor Bathing Destination
• Cormorant Fishing: An Ancient Tradition to Mark Each New Summer

Sakura 100: Japan’s Best Blossoms

(Translated from Japanese. Banner photo © Motosu City.)